Join Now!  |  Sign In  |  Contact Us
  
 
Product Tests
Select a Review
CL Answers
 Warnings 
Encyclopedia
Where to Buy
News

ConsumerLab.com Answers  

Supplements For Balance Problems

Question:
Do any supplements improve balance or reduce the risk of falls?
Supplements to Improve Balance & Reduce the Risk of Falls -- older woman walking up stairs
Answer:
Moderate doses of vitamin D may improve balance and reduce the risk of falls in older adults deficient in vitamin D; however, be aware that too much vitamin D may actually increase the risk of falls. 

When combined with resistance exercise, supplementation with protein or creatine may help to build muscle in older adults (muscle loss has been associated with an increased risk of falls). Note that many older adults do not get enough protein from their diets and some research suggests intakes higher than current daily recommendations may be needed to reduce muscle loss.

Also, be aware that being deficient in vitamin B12 can cause problems with balance and gait, which could increase the risk of falls. Melatonin supplements may impair balance in older adults for a period of time after taking.

Learn More About Supplements and Balance:



Is it possible to get too much vitamin D? >>

I have been having dizziness for the past few months and am wondering if it could be a side effect of supplements I take. Which supplements cause dizziness? >>

What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency? >>

What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency? >>

 See other recent and popular questions >>
COMMENTS
Add Comment
Robert8632   April 13, 2016
I think the "risk of falls" warning is appropriate under the circumstances but I doubt that we will be issuing it 12-24 months from now.

The 2015 study behind this recommendation has been widely criticized as bias in search of evidence. Among other flaws, the study employed weird dosage regimes (e.g., 60,000 units once per month which would likely create a pro-inflammatory response in the gut), uncommon definitions of normal and low levels, a lack of control for variables known to be related (e.g., was calcium and/or vitamin K being co-administered), question-begging in the premise, and weak statistical power (the publication bar is virtually always set at a minimum of p<0.05; this study was p<0.09, unheard of!). When Medscape (an online community of practicing physicians) published this study, 93 physicians commented on it. Every comment was negative, pointing out research and/or clinical flaws.

In addition to the design and execution problems, it is equally plausible that the vitamin D increased physical activity, therefore increasing the probability of a fall among people who generally have balance problems. This explanation was not examined much less controlled for.

In contrast to this, a 2004 10 study meta-analysis and many other studies since then (some well-designed, some opportunistic) continue to reach the opposite conclusions.

I appreciate the openness of this forum. Keep up the good work.
Comment on Post

Share your thoughts and comments about this topic in the space below. Please abide by the following rules:
  • If you make a statement of fact, such as whether a type of treatment does or does not work, state your basis -- such as personal experience or a published study.
  • If you make a positive or negative comment about a product, note whether or not you have a financial interest in the product or in a competing product.
  • Please be respectful in your tone.
  • Please do not submit any type of HTML markup or scripting as it will not be accepted, nor will comments that exceed 2,500 characters.
For your privacy, only your first name (from your account) followed by a random number will appear with your comment. Your last name and email address will not be displayed.
Comment:

Share your thoughts and comments about this topic in the space below. Please abide by the following rules:
  • If you make a statement of fact, such as whether a type of treatment does or does not work, state your basis -- such as personal experience or a published study.
  • If you make a positive or negative comment about a product, note whether or not you have a financial interest in the product or in a competing product.
  • Please be respectful in your tone.
  • Please do not submit any type of HTML markup or scripting as it will not be accepted, nor will comments that exceed 2,500 characters.
For your privacy, only your first name (from your account) followed by a random number will appear with your comment. Your last name and email address will not be displayed.
Comment:

You can modify your comment below. Please be aware the comment will have to approve the changes before they will be shown:
Comment:

Your edit has been submitted and is being reviewed by ConsumerLab.com prior to publication.
This CL Answer initially posted on 4/12/2016. Last updated 10/15/2019.
ConsumerLab.com members may submit questions to CLAnswers@ConsumerLab.com. We read all questions and try to answer those of popular interest.
 
   BECOME A MEMBER
JOIN NOW
Product Reviews
Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices

CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements

CBD & Hemp Extract Supplements

Fish Oil /Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements

Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements

Apple Cider Vinegar

... and More!
ENCYCLOPEDIA
In addition to our product reviews our encyclopedia covers the following:

Herbs & Supplements

Conditions

Drug Interactions

Alternative Therapies
MEMBER TESTIMONIALS
Follow us on...
facebook twitter
ConsumerLab.com
 
 
Join |  Sign In
   
Join Us on Facebook! Join Us on Instagram! Join Us on Twitter! Join Us on YouTube! Join Us on YouTube!
Product Reviews
Brands Tested
Health Conditions
Encyclopedia
CL Answers
Clinical Updates 		News
Recalls & Warnings
Recommended Intakes
Where to Buy Products 		Testing Program
How Products Were Tested
Quality Certification Program 		Join CL Today
Testimonials
Join Free Newsletter
Group Subscriptions
Gift Membership 		About Us
The CL Seal
CL Survey
Privacy Policy
Sitemap
Contact Us/Help
©2020 ConsumerLab.com, LLC. All rights reserved. A single copy of a report may be printed for personal use by the subscriber. It is otherwise unlawful to print, download, store or distribute content from this site without permission.
ConsumerLab.com name and flask logo are both registered trademarks of ConsumerLab.com, LLC. This site is intended for informational purposes only and not to provide medical advice.